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King Williams Town awaits local hero Lukhanyo Am

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Lukhanyo Am – the Springbok’s outside center, didn’t come up through the traditional rugby ranks. That however did not stop him from achieving his goal, to wear the green and gold.

He will come home to King Williams Town in the Eastern Cape, as part of the World Cup winning team.

It is a dream come true for a determined young rugby player and his whole community.

Lukhanyo used to wear green and gold clothes at primary level, and used to envy the Springbok players. He would play rugby as often as possible.

His mum remembers him constantly begging for new rugby balls from her. He refused to play soccer, opting for rugby instead,  despite his slight build, not really being suited for the tackling sport.

His mum says, “He likes to play rugby, rugby is his passion. I have asked him to change rugby and he refused. ‘He would say no mum, I like rugby’.

Thabisa Am, Lukhanyo’s sister had this to say about the star, “He always knew deep down that one day he would be there,  playing for SA. If we are watching rugby he would say yoh, those guys one day, I will play with them.”

Lukhanyo attended De Vos Malan High School in King Williams Town, making the first rugby team .

His rugby ability was already evident back then.

Childhood friend Lamiel Abdul had this to say, “Lukhanyo was always not a flashy player. He always had a lot of skill. He started off as a lock before a centre, and from there he grew.”

Former class mate Aviwe Badu said, “We are extremely proud. It kind of makes us believe that anything is possible. You can start from any humble beginning or background and make it.”

King Williams Town cannot wait to welcome home the young man who has reminded them of the importance of a dream and the hard work that goes into making it a reality,  no matter the challenges you face.

 

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